Overview

abstract

BACKGROUND: In recent years, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- producingEnterobacteriaceae have emerged in many hospitals worldwide. The increasing dissemination and long-termcarriage of these organisms within the community carry tremendous implications on the empirical therapyof community-acquired infection. MATERIAL/METHODS: To evaluate the prevalence and clinical features ofcommunity- acquired bacteremia involving ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in southern Israel (ESBL-P) we retrospectively studied all Enterobacteriaceae bacteremias during an 8-month period in the Negev regionusing medical and laboratory records. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the disk-diffusionmethod. ESBL production was determined using an E-test ESBL strip. Cases involving ESBL-P were comparedto those involving non …